DISEASES OF THE MEDIASTINUM Flashcards
Which structure is located in the anterior mediastinum?
A) Heart
B) Thymus gland
C) Esophagus
D) Thoracic duct
Thymus gland
*T he anterior mediastinum extends from the sternum anteriorly to the pericardium and brachiocephalic vessels posteriorly.
* It contains the thymus gland, the anterior
mediastinal lymph nodes, and the internal mammary arteries and veins
The middle mediastinum contains which of the following?
A) Internal mammary arteries
B) Descending thoracic aorta
C) Main bronchi
D) Azygos vein
Main bronchi
- The middle mediastinum lies between the anterior and posterior mediastina and contains the heart; the ascending and transverse arches
of the aorta; the venae cavae; the brachiocephalic arteries and veins; the phrenic nerves; the trachea, the main bronchi, and their contiguous lymph nodes; and the pulmonary arteries and veins.
What is the posterior boundary of the posterior mediastinum?
A) Sternum
B) Pericardium
C) Trachea
D) Vertebral column
Vertebral column
What is the term for the presence of gas in the interstices of the mediastinum?
A) Pneumothorax
B) Pneumopericardium
C) Pneumomediastinum
D) Subcutaneous emphysema
Pneumomediastinum
Which of the following is NOT a main cause of pneumomediastinum?
A) Alveolar rupture with air dissection into the mediastinum
B) Perforation of the trachea or esophagus
C) Gas embolism in pulmonary veins
D) Dissection of air from the neck or abdomen into the mediastinum
Gas embolism in pulmonary veins
What clinical sign is characterized by a crunching or clicking noise synchronous with the heartbeat and is best heard in the left lateral decubitus position?
A) Subcutaneous emphysema in the suprasternal notch
B) Hamman’s sign
C) Wheezing
D) Crackles over the lung fields
Hamman’s sign
What imaging modality is typically used to confirm the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum?
Chest radiograph
What is the usual management approach for pneumomediastinum in a stable patient?
No specific treatment is typically required, but mediastinal air can be absorbed faster with high concentrations of inspired oxygen.
